Bright displays in the Auckland Winter GardensEwelme CottageA rambling cottage garden surrounding the home of an early Auckland clergyman. Some of the plants were put in by the Lush family (the original residents) and some are descendants of original plants. A huge oak dominates the garden and was planted around 1866. House is also open. Address: 14 Ayr St, Parnell, Auckland
Open- Wed-Sun 10.30am to 12 noon & 1.00pm to 4.30pm
Closed- Monday, Tuesdays, Christmas Day, Good Friday
Entrance fee for house
Directions- From Parnell Road, turn into Ayr Street (opposite Domain Drive and the Auckland Domain). Ewelme Cottage is signed on your left.
Owner- NZ Historic Places Trust
Tel +64 9-379 0202

Highwic HouseA gothic-style timber house with fine gardens dating from and restored to their Victorian splendour Address: 40 Gillies Avenue, Epsom, Auckland (entrance is from Mortimer Pass)
Open- Wednesday to Sunday 10.30am to 12 noon & 1.00pm to 4.30pm
Closed- Monday, Tuesdays, Christmas Day, Good Friday
Entrance fee for house
Directions- From the Southern Motorway take the exit for Gillies Avenue. Turn left into Gillies Avenue, then turn right into Mortimer Pass, the main entrance is on your right. There is limited car parking.
Owner- NZ Historic Places Trust
Tel +64 9-524 5729; Fax +64 9-524 5575

MincherApproached by a long, meandering drive, Mincher is a young, developing garden of 5 hectares (13 acres) of ponds, orcahrds, formal and informal planting that compliments the Georgian styled home. Set against a backdrop of native bush, Mincher is home to native kingfisher and tui, there are also quail and ducks, as well as a number of King Charles Cavalier Spaniels. Address: 338 Caotesville-Riverhead Highway, Coatesville (Postal: RD 3, Albany)
Open- by appointment all year
Entrance fee- $5.00 adult, $4.00 each for groups of 10+
Facilities- WC
Directions- From SH I between Albany and Silverdale, turn into the Coatsville-Riverhead Highway. Mincher is on your right after passing Glenmore Road.
Owner- Angela & Bruce Spooner
Tel +64 (9)415 7469

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Auckland Regional Council Botanic Garden

Auckland Regional Council Botanic Garden, ManurewaA relatively new Botanic Gardens these have been developed on a large site which includes a stand of native bush, some fine totara trees. The gardens are a must for anyone interested in horticulture!. See the Review of the garden Address: 102 Hill Rd, Manurewa, Auckland
Open- Daily 9.00am to dusk
Entrance fee- None
Owner- Auckland Regional Council
Tel +64 9-267 1457; Fax +64 9-266 3698
Email botanicgardens@arc.govt.nz

Eden Garden, Auckland

Eden GardenEstablished in a disused quarry, development on the garden began in 1965. The largest and most varied collection of camellias in Australasia and a huge range of other plant and tree material with year round interest. A range of subtropical plants and an extensive vireya rhododendron collection. See our review of this lovely garden Address: 24 Omana Ave, Epsom, Auckland
Open- Daily 9.00am to 4.30pm
Entrance fee NZ$5.00 per adult; Senior citizens NZ$3.50, children free.
Owner- Eden Garden Society Inc
Tel +64 9-638 8395; Fax +64 9-638 7685

WoodbridgeA large country garden planted to compliment the house and gentle contours of the land. Two streams flow into a pond which is overlooked by a summerhouse surrounded by roses and perennials, vegetable garden/potager, croquet lawn and dramatic sculptured hedges. Address: 36 Glenmore Road, Coatesville, RD 3, Albany
Open- by appointment only between 9.00am and 5.00pm all year; Groups by appointment only, No Dogs, Children must be accompanied, Wheelchair access
Entrance fee- $5.00 adult, children (accompanied) free
Facilities- W.C, Morning and afternoon teas and lunches available by arrangement, Plants for sale
Directions- 3 kms north of Albany turn left onto SH 28, then 3 kms to Glenmore Road (opposite the Coatesville store) Woodbridge is 350 metres along Glenmore Road and is signposted on the right
Owner- Christine & Tony Peek
Tel +64 (9)415 7525; Fax +64 (9)415 7525; Email woodbridgegardens@xtra.co.nz

Woodbridge - R. 'Alberic Barbier' hedge looking to the croquet lawn

Herb HavenBay hedges bound this 1 hectare (2.4 acres) garden filled with a wonderful collection of herbs and old fashioned roses. Dedicated areas of medicinal, fragrant, cosmetic and culinary herbs. 'Herb Haven' is at its colourful and vibrant best from spring until mid-summer when it is a mass of colour and fragrance. An historic cottage that provides a wide range of teas and refreshments. Address: 114 Plantation Road, Te Kauwhata
Open- by appointment only between 10.00am and 4.00pm Wednesday to Sunday from 1 August to 31 May; Groups by appointment only, Wheelchair access.
Closed- Monday and Tuesday from 1 August to 31 May; every day 1 June to 31 July
Entrance fee- $3.50 per adult, children free
Facilities- WC, Cafe, Teas, herbal preserves and products for sale, Plants for sale, Guided tours by prior arrangement.
Directions- Take SHI south from Auckland, Te Kauwhata is signed posted 45mins south.
Owner- Trish Budd
Tel +64 (7) 826 3031; Fax +64 (7) 826 3035; email mhobson@ihug.co.nz

Herb Haven

The information here is believed to be correct but changes do occur. There may be closures and changes to times of opening. Entrance fees may vary without notice. bestgardening.com cannot take any responsibility for any errors, changes or omissions. Visitors travelling a distance to visit a garden are advised to check opening times with the owners before setting out.